Kingston Police warn of cybercriminals using shipping delays as bait

Kingston Police are warning the public of another phishing scam that plays on the possibilities of delayed or missed shipments, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact supply chains for countless industries around the world.

According to Kingston Police, cybercriminals often use wide-reaching problems like shipping delays to their advantage. In a recent scam, cybercriminals use the possibility of a delayed or missed shipment as phish bait, police said in a media release. 

“The scam starts with an email that appears to come from a reputable shipping company,” the release reads. “The email urges you to click on a link to download an important shipping confirmation document. If you click the link, you’ll be taken to a login webpage that asks for your email and password. Unfortunately, the email was actually sent by cybercriminals and the link leads to a well-designed phishing webpage. Any information that you enter on the webpage will be sent straight to the cybercriminals.”

To stay safe from similar scams, police advise the public to remember the following tips:

• Watch out for a sense of urgency. These types of scams rely on impulsive actions, so always think before you click.
• Never click on a link or download an attachment in an email that you were not expecting.

“If you are expecting a shipment and receive a related email, confirm that the email is legitimate before clicking any links in the email,” the release continued. “Look for details such as the order number, the purchase date, and the payment method.”

“Stop, look, and think. Don’t be fooled by the scammers.”